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Our most recent research has been in the area of chemical education, with a
general underlying theme that utilizes a technology which allows students to learn more
easily and more quickly. A detailed presentation of our research interests can be found by clicking on this link to a powerpoint presentation of our research interests.
With the recent explosion of Web-based communication
possibilities, coupled with ever-expanding database technologies, we have developed the
WE_LEARN system
to enable students to more quickly and easily learn course material. Essentially, this system uses
computer-based technologies
to evaluate student answers to questions and provides
immediate feedback to the student. Information about student performance is
also monitored by the system, providing a powerful tool for research about
student learning strategies. Use of the system has resulted in a 20% increase
in class averages on exams, increased student compliance in completing homework
assignments, and the beginning of data analysis about student learning patterns
using the computers, compared to traditional methods used without computers.
Our preliminary analysis also shows that an enhanced learning in the concepts of
chemistry is occurring with the usage of the system, as opposed to memorizing
large amounts of material. In general, faults in the system are fixed in a timely fashion to enhance student learning,
which is our primary concern. Extensive research has been
conducted in order to prevent technical difficulties before they happen, with system uptime greater than 99.9%.
Naturally, the WE_LEARN
system has significantly increased most students' performance
in a well-rounded type of learning. Our main focus in the research
department is to keep it that way and to develop the best system for learning chemistry in the world.
Another area of active interest is in the design and implementation of novel laboratory techniques. For example, a computerized pre-laboratory experiment can be found at the following link. This experiment shows how theory, experimental technique and post-lab analysis can be implemented easily to provide a student friendly and better learning envirnonment. |